AZ SB1663

Court clerks must immediately seal all forcible entry and detainer filings, pleadings, and judgments based on nonpayment of rent or rendered in favor of landlords for non-violation reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency period from March 11, 2020 through June 30, 2022.

Sealed records remain inaccessible to the public but may be accessed by the lessor, lessee, their attorneys or designated representatives, and research entities conducting data aggregation.

Court clerks and parties are prohibited from disseminating sealed records to third parties if proceedings are dismissed before hearing, judgment is rendered in favor of the lessor/owner, or a consent judgment is entered.

Housing or credit screening applications must include a statement notifying applicants that they may answer "no record" to inquiries about sealed forcible entry and detainer actions filed during the specified emergency period.